Put the milk, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, crème de menthe (or vodka), vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt in a 7-quart slow cooker.
Cover and cook on high 2 hours or until combined, whisking vigorously halfway through to help chocolate melt.
Switch to warm for serving. Set out whipped cream and crushed candy canes, for topping.

Picking the Perfect Password

Trying to keep track of your passwords can be very frustrating as we have so many online passwords to keep track of. Picking one simple password for all accounts is not the correct answer. One data breach could put all those accounts at risk. Here are a few steps to create passwords that help you remember and hackers shouldn’t discover. Pick a safe password. It is tempting to pick something that is easy for you to remember. Don’t! Hackers can use programs that try dictionary words and numbers with lightning speed, so that common name or number combination may make you more vulnerable.

Take a favorite word and spell it in upper and lower case letters, also using numbers and symbols. Example: for the word Mary: M@ry

Then add numbers. Use the year or your house number: M@ry2016. Then for each online account add the name of an extension like fb for Facebook.

So your password for Facebook is M@ry2015fb. For each account you add a code reminder of the related site. By changing the last part of your password, you don’t have to worry as much if your password is compromised on another account.

"Plan for the best, don't hope for it "- David L. Haynes
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In this season of plenty, let us not forget those who could use a helping hand. In Gladys's words, pay it forward, some suggestions: overpay at the butcher, the baker, or candlestick maker, pay for some of the gas or groceries of someone behind you, pick a charity, and donate, such as to the
Declans Foundation

We are publishing MedCure's article from a previous edition..because planning one's end game is always in season.....

"Ever Considering Donating Your Body to Science?"

By: Timothy P. Christy, Ph.D.

Director of Marketing – MedCure, Inc.

It is better to be too early than too late when planning for end-of-life. Though most people avoid thinking about “the end,” directives surrounding one’s passing are some of the most important life decisions one should make. These arrangements can affect an individual’s family beyond their moment of passing.A particular arrangement that often impacts loved ones concerns how expenses will be managed at the time of death. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the 2014 median base cost of a funeral with burial in the U.S. was $7,181 ($8,508 if a cemetery required a vault). This cost represents a 28.6% increase over the last 10 years. A slightly less expensive alternative, and an option that is gaining cultural acceptance, is funeral with cremation; the median cost for this option in 2014 was $6,078, according to the NFDA.For many people, such costs are beyond their means, and often unplanned. Thankfully, there is a third option that many overlook – whole body donation.When people think about whole body donation, they typically conjure up images of university anatomy classes. Historically, universities were the only legitimate option for those wishing to donate their bodies to science. In the last 10+ years, however, non-university-affiliated organizations have emerged, providing donation opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Bridging donors with donation dependent medical communities, these non-university-affiliated programs provide cadaveric resources to laboratories across the world. From research on various disease processes to the advancement of less invasive, and subsequently less expensive surgical techniques, these emerging body donation programs are significantly impacting medical science.There is an increasing need within medical communities for whole body donations. Concurrently, the number of donations made each year remains relatively low. Of the three, burial, cremation, and whole body donation, donating one’s body is the least common alternative, despite its low-to-no cost for individuals and its lasting impact on society at large. Many non-university whole body donation programs such as MedCure cover all expenses related to the donation process, including transportation, cremation, return or disposal of cremated remains, and a copy of the death certificate.

Additionally, these programs have extensive medical networks that enable them to place donors in any number of research areas and/or training specialties including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, neurological conditions, cancer, paramedic training, multi-trauma and fracture repair, and interventional medicine.

Surgical Training MedCure Lab

One of the factors that deter many from donating their body to science is a misperception of the donation process. Like many atypical end-of-life options that emerge, there are several myths that surround whole body donation. Some of the more common myths, and their negating facts, are listed below.Myth: Body donation has hidden costs.Fact: Some whole body donation programs, such as MedCure, offer no-cost services to donors. MedCure covers all expenses related to the donation process, including transportation, cremation, a copy of the death certificate, and the return of cremated remains to one’s family. Optional expenses unrelated to donation such as memorial services, obituaries, interment, and floral arrangements are not included.

Myth: Donors that are sick or have a disease do not qualify for whole body donation.

Fact: Researchers and educators often require donors with certain diseases and conditions. Most disease processes, including cancer, are accepted by programs such as MedCure’s, and typically there is no upper age limit. Depending on the program, a few diseases may result in decline, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B or C. Other possible health-related reasons for a particular program’s decline include a history of illegal drug use and being severely over or under weight.

A MedCure Lab in Oregon

Myth: Only the organs from a donated body will ultimately be used by researchers.

Fact: Non-university-affiliated whole body donation programs assist institutions and organizations that rely on cadaveric specimens, either in whole or part, to conduct research and training. Educational institutions use whole bodies for anatomy classes, and organizations developing medical devices and/or less invasive surgical procedures will often utilize whole body specimens. Other organizations may utilize certain sections of a body that correspond to their area of specialization (orthopedics, cardiology, trauma procedures, etc.).

Myth: When cremains (ashes) are received, they include ashes from multiple people or ashes of another person.

Fact: It is unlawful to cremate more than one individual at a time and licensed crematoriums are very closely audited and overseen by legislation. Reputable whole body donation programs conduct multiple security identification measures that ensure families are receiving the cremains of their loved ones.

Myth: Organ donation is a common option at the time of death.

Fact: Unfortunately, the circumstances surrounding passing prohibit the vast majority of people from donating organs for transplantation at the time of death. Individuals who pass away at home, or in a long-term or short-term care facility are not eligible for live organ donation. However, they may qualify for secondary donation, which includes corneas, whole eyes, skin, and bones. Tertiary donation arrangements such as whole body donation is a worthwhile alternative for individuals unable to donate for transplant purposes yet still wish to contribute to research and education. If whole body donation is determined a viable option, an individual and their family should consider a number of factors when selecting a program that is right for them. Important factors to consider include the following:

2. Accreditation – Is the program audited by a third party regulatory body? MedCure is accredited by the preeminent and only national U.S. accrediting body, the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB), which establishes and monitors standards of care and procedures practiced by accredited programs.

3. Acceptance criteria – What is the likelihood of donation decline? MedCure has much broader acceptance criteria than university programs, including no upper age limit and acceptance of most non-infectious disease processes.

4. Geographic coverage – Will a person’s residence disqualify them? MedCure in a national whole body donation program that accepts donations from across the continental U.S. (excluding only New Jersey and Minnesota due to state laws), and has deep ties with an extensive network of medical communities that rely on body donations to further their research and training.

Decisions surrounding end-of-life are typically avoided. But one decision that needs not be difficult or sad is the choice to become a whole body donor. It is relatively easy to register as a donor, and the decision for many is accompanied by feelings of hope and pride in one’s legacy as an individual and a contributor toward the betterment of generations to come.

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To register as a MedCure donor, visit
www.medcure.org, email us at info@medcure.org, or call toll-free, 24 hours a day, at 1-866-560-2525.

Not Get Sick This Year

We can’t promise you will be healthy all the time. But we can sure try to strengthen the immune system and keep from getting colds this winter.

Let’s start by how we eat. The body needs protein to make white blood cells. White blood cells are the backbone to immune systems. Look at lean meats and fish. Also important is getting plenty of fruits and vegetables

We can also help ourselves with the right supplements. Look at Vitamin D and Probiotics.

Vitamin D is hard to get by just eating foods. You most likely will need to take a supplement.

By taking a probiotics you can reduce your risk of an upper respiratory infection.

Keep active. By being active five days a week, studies have shown this to have cut the length of a cold.

Every day, people find themselves in need of extra help at home. People like your spouse, your parent, your grandparent or a friend. As caregivers, we know what it’s like to have someone depend on you, and so it’s easy for us to understand that everyone needs an emotional or physical break sometimes. That’s where we come in.

Let us be your personal care manager & concierge! We are able to offer you more: tailored services to meet your needs. Hearthside is dedicated to the concepts of inclusion, choice and person-centered services. We are committed to providing quality services and products that focus on meeting the unique needs of the individual served, in a manner that reflects integrity and excellence. Licensed, bonded, insured. Serving the area since 1999.

During those times when you need the extra help the most, you can rely on Hearthside Home Care to provide a wide variety of in-home care services that are reliable, consistent, and tailored to meet your loved one’s unique and personal needs.

As a licensed home care agency, Hearthside offers the help your loved one needs, allowing your loved one to enjoy their independence, in the comfort of their own personal surroundings.

Call Us Today to get your services started! 336-808-1351

Book Review: The Power Seatby Christina Nepstad
Start your new year with a fresh hand powerful perspective. Life is an interview, be prepared with a successful strategy.

The Power Seat program is the key that unlocks what most women today are lacking: a solid sense of self. This program is a comprehensive path of introspection that enables women to begin an inner journey of self-exploration that ultimately leads to the development of a true identity. Upon reaching this destination, women will be able to lead lives of power, efficacy, and meaning. Rather than following external, social and cultural roads toward selfhood, Christina guides sojourners on a personal, internal trek toward finding their voice and self-expression.

In her 25 years of working with women, Christina found that most common complaint from women is that they feel insecure about who they really are. Living with the uncertainty of your abilities is bound to stop you from believing in them. This emanates from not knowing enough about who you really are, from not training your mind to accept you for who you really are, and allowing these issues to prevent you from capitalizing on who you really are.

Visit: thepowerseat.com

Hi! Here I am with Mr. Claus

Mr. Claus and Me

Hello ! I am Randy Berendes, Canine Support Ambassador at Hearthside Home Care. I love my job, which is to meet and greet people who come to our office, as well as to visit you if you would like me to. To schedule my visits, contact my staff at Hearthside Home Care to make arrangements - be it at home, hospice, or other facility. I wish for everyone a bright and happy holiday season! Woof! 336-808-1351